Early 20th Century Porcelain Butcher Shop Walk-in Cooler Wall

Details

Description

Massive porcelain enamel coller front section with raised-letter signage reading "FRESH MEATS", accompanied by twin display windows and decorative border … Read more Massive porcelain enamel coller front section with raised-letter signage reading "FRESH MEATS", accompanied by twin display windows and decorative border panels in black on white.

Originally part of a butcher's walk-in "cold room" facade, this architectural enamelwork features clean Art Nouveau-to-Deco transition styling, typical of early 20th-century Chicago-area style. Each modular section retains its original cast hardware, glass display boxes, two latched windows with rubber seals for insulation, original Kason Manufacturing hinges and latches. The heavy gauge enamel steel shows expected chipping along the edges, minor oxidation, and faint surface crazing - an exceptional survivor from the golden age of Chicago's meatpacking era.

This piece was salvaged from a Chicagoland butcher shop and will ship disassembled as many of the portions are individual pieces, however all hinges, screws, and other hardware items are included.

This piece is attributed to Bromann Bros. Fixture Co. (Chicago) as one of the Midwest's premier manufacturers of enameled butcher fixtures from the late 19th through early 20th century. Bromann's work was noted for its modular construction, refined enamel surfaces, and hygienic detailing. Other possible manufacturers include The E.A. Hinchliff Co. (Chicago), Miller Fixture Co. (Chicago), J.P. Devine & Bros. (Milwaukee/Chicago), and Roehrenbeck Fixture Co. (Detroit, occasionally subcontracted through Chicago fabricators) See less